Momordica dioica, Bristly Balsam Pear commonly known as spiny gourd and also known as prickly carolaho, Teasle gourd, kantola, is a species of flowering plant in the gourd family. It is used as a vegetable in all regions of India and some parts in South Asia. It has commercial importance and is exported and used locally. The fruits are cooked with spices,or fried and sometimes eaten with meat or fish.